In January 2010 a pair of vintage 1985 Nike Air Jordan basketball shoes sold online for $4500. These original Air Jordans were in mint condition, with tags attached, still in the box, and had never been worn. Amazing? Not really, considering the Air Jordan shoe is just as popular today as it's ever been.

 

A Strong Start

 

Back in 1985, people were actually robbed at gunpoint for their Air Jordans. Prior to the signature shoe's launch, Nike signed Michael Jordan to a then unheard of 2.5 million dollar endorsement deal. The basketball air jordan shoe's bold black and red styling clashed against the NBA's then normal color scheme of team colors on white and was banned by officials. Jordan continued to wear the shoe on court and was fined $5000 per game. Nike gladly picked up that tab and has been cashing in on the shoes popularity ever since.

 

On the streets, the shoe was the first ever to be priced at $100 in cheap jordan shoes outlet and was coveted by kids everywhere. Thus the gunpoint robberies reported in some cities. If you had Jordans, you had status. There were even popular television commercials directed by and featuring director Spike Lee with the tag line: "It's Gotta Be The Shoes."

 

Still Going Strong

 

The Air Jordan line is currently at the landmark version XXIII (23) matching the now retired number worn by Jordan throughout his championship years with the Chicago Bulls. The shoe was launched in limited edition at only 23 locations nationwide at a price of $230. Just one month later, pairs of the limited edition version XXIII (23) sell for up $1500.

 

Over the 23 years since the original launch, the Air Jordan has seen a new release each year. It's also expanded beyond the shoes to clothing, fragrances, and jewelry. In recent years, with no slowing in the lines popularity, Nike has re-issued some Air Jordan versions in limited edition and introduced a "retro" line of Air Jordans to capitalize on the demand shown by collectors.